Pointer Veterinary Clinic

We have professional groomers on site. Available by appointment - they do great work on dogs and cats.

In addition, we also give flea baths, medical baths, ear cleanings, nail trims, dentals and puppy and dog training.

Grooming is an aspect of dog-care that needs to be considered when you are choosing a dog, because some dogs need considerably more grooming than others. It can increase the cost of their keep to maintain the dog's coat in top condition.

People often base their choice of breed on a glossy picture in a dog book or a luxurious-looking specimen seen on television. If you are not aware of the range of coat types found in dogs this can lead to disaster. The dog in the book or television was probably the product of hours of grooming immediately prior to its appearance. Grooming is not just for showdogs. Whatever your dog's coat type, regular, correct grooming keeps it looking and feeling good. Most dogs enjoy grooming sessions, so they deepen your mutual trust and sense of companionship.

Regular grooming, especially during the two moulting periods each year, will help to keep the home cleaner, because your dog will not be shedding its hair onto the carpet and furnishings. Nails have to be kept neat and short to prevent injury from snagging and tearing on carpets, fabrics and objects outside. Dogs should be bathed only when necessary. If the dog is groomed frequently, bathing may be needed only a few times a year. If the dog gets dirty, wash him again without delay. This will not be harmful, although excessive bathing will strip off natural oils from the coat and make it less water resistant.

Things to know:

* How often do you have to groom a dog? This depends on the age and breed of the dog and to some extent on its lifestyle. Dogs that are often outdoors need more grooming than those that stay mainly in the house. Long-haired dogs usually require daily grooming to prevent their coat from becoming matted, while shorthaired dogs can be combed and brushed once or twice a week to keep their hair in good condition.

* The dog's coat may also need to be trimmed occasionally. The inside of a Spaniel´s earflaps may harbour ear-infections if not trimmed regularly.

* Breeds with thick coats, such as the Old English Sheep Dog may benefit from having their coats cut back to help keep them cooler.

* Breeds that do not shed hair, such as Poodles, need to be clipped every 6 weeks.

* Other dogs normally shed much of their longer, denser winter coat in the spring and early summer, and require more grooming at that time of year. The fur then grows to its full length in the fall.

* After neutering, however, dogs may somtimes shed their hair more heavily outside these seasons. This is thought to be because of hormonal changes.

* Badly matted areas must be removed in case they become soiled and more easily harbour infections. Combing out mats, even if possible, would be exceedingly painful. The best approach is to clip the mats out carefully.

Here at the Pointer Veterinary Clinic there is a professional staff to help with you and your pets needs.